View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the time when Ruby meets Jonathan, how long has she been married?

2. When reminiscing about their time together, what is the one memory neither Ruby nor Jonathan acknowledge?

3. What is Tati's real name?

4. What school subject does Richard teach?

5. What strange defect was Richard born with?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the state of Sara Anne's life at the opening of "Rare Bird"?

2. What were Jonathan and Ruby's romantic statuses at the time when they met?

3. What clues does the text give as to Richard's age?

4. What do Christopher's philosopher friends think happens to swallows over the winter?

5. Who is Catherine, and what relationship does she have to Sara Anne?

6. Who does Linnaeus spend his time thinking about throughout the story?

7. What happens to Linnaeus on his way back home at the end of the story?

8. What type of relationship does Linnaeus have with his family - his wife and his children?

9. How did Jonathan and Ruby's romantic relationship start?

10. Who is The English Pupil?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "The Littoral Zone" Jonathan and Ruby meet under unique circumstances. How do the two scientists meet? What is their initial reaction to one another, and how does that reaction change over time? By the end of the story, what is the state of Jonathan and Ruby's relationship? Do you think they are happy with the outcome? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In the story "The Behavior of Hawkweeds" how do genetics play a role in understanding the lives of the characters? What symbols are produced through the comparison of the hawkweed genetics and the life of immigrants in America? Do you think this symbol is successful? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Sarah Anne's life in the story "Rare Bird" is one of strict societal constraint. First, describe Sarah Anne's life when her parents were alive, and compare / contrast that to Sarah Anne's life after her parents passed away. In your opinion, what was the largest societal constraint placed on Sarah Anne as an adult. Do you think this constraint would be the same had Sarah Anne been born into modern society? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 943 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample